Rochelle

Writing Prompts

www.writingfix.org
 * 1.** **At what point do you realize you’ve eaten too much of it? Write a story or memory that centers around Halloween or Christmas candy.**

I chose this prompt because every child can relate to eating too much of something. This fun, light-hearted prompt can engage students of all grade levels. Plus, it subtly helps kids to recognize the negative consequences of overindulging!

http://www.canteach.ca/elementary/prompts.html
 * 2.** **What do you think would happen if there were no rules?**

This could be a great prompt to use at the beginning of the year when the classroom rules are being established. Not only would it create the groundwork for the purpose of rules, but then students could brainstorm what rules the classroom and school should enforce. This prompt could also be used to introduce a government unit over the creation of new laws.

http://www.everydayspelling.com/workout/prompts/1gr6-8edit.html
 * 3.** **Your school wants to start a new rule: all students must dress the same to come to school. Do you agree or disagree with this rule?**

I liked this prompt because students must learn to examine an issue from two different angles. Most students could respond to this prompt after careful consideration, making it very adaptable to varied grade levels. The responses to this prompt could be a springboard into the world of debate and could lead to several other types of writing projects, including editorials and persuasive essays.

Web Resources

1. __Elementary Writing Workshop Resources__ http://www.edzone.net/~mwestern/ww.html

This site could be helpful because it contains lots of information about 6 trait writing. Lesson plans for grades k-6 are included, along with posters, rubrics, and models for each of the traits.

2. __Writing Prompts by Jim Cornish__ http://www.edzone.net/~mwestern/ww.html

Jim Cornish has created a website full of quick information for teachers. Categories include narrative and expository prompt sheets, links to other writing websites and rubrics. Tips are also given on creating your own prompts. This site is very teacher-friendly since it offers ideas that require little to no preparation of materials or advanced planning.

3. __ReadWriteThink: Student Materials: Letter Generator__ http://readwritethink.org/student_mat/student_material.asp?id=5

This website offers many student-friendly online manipulatives, including the letter generator. The site enables students to identify the different parts of business or friendly letters in a more interesting manner. Links to many lesson plans that use letter-generating tool are also included at varied grade levels.

4. __OSUWP Library__ http://english.okstate.edu/writingproject/library.html#B

The professionals involved in the Writing Project at Oklahoma State University have created a bibliography of the books they have placed in their professional libraries regarding writing. Educators looking for research or other information can access this list in order to learn what other teachers are recommending, as well as gain the needed information to find the book.

5. __National Writing Project__ http://www.writingproject.org/cs/nwpp/print/nwpr/922

Visiting this site will allow teachers to download a PDF version of their booklet //30 Ideas for Teaching Writing.// Links are also available to preview the different chapters in the book. Tips are included on topics such as writing dialogue, creating poetry, and using action verbs.

6. __Teaching with Writing__ http://writing.umn.edu/tww/index.htm

The University of Minnesota has created a website full of helpful information on teaching writing. Topics include creating assignments, how to respond to assignments, in-class activities, and even steps in preventing plagiarism. Generic grading rubrics and peer feedback forms can also be found on this site.

7. __Minnesota__ __Writing Project__ http://writing.umn.edu/tww/index.htm

This site contains a lot of information gleaned from the educators involved in the Minnesota Writing Project. Contents include book reviews, many lesson plans, and a section on improving reading skills and strategies. Links to other writing resources can be found at the bottom of the page.